Optic for touch-sensitive light emitting diode switch

ABSTRACT

An optic assembly for a light emitting diode mounted to a printed circuit board has a primary lens defined by a primary lens anterior surface and an opposed primary lens rear taper with a tip facing the light emitting diode. A secondary lens with a secondary lens anterior surface and an opposed secondary lens posterior surface faces the printed circuit board. The secondary lens defines a central cavity with the primary lens being disposed therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to optics and light emittingdiodes (LEDs), and more particularly, to optics for touch-sensitive LEDswitch devices.

2. Related Art

LEDs are ubiquitous output devices that find many applications across avariety of fields for their high efficiency, fast switching, andextended longevity, among other advantages. One of the most commonutility is as indicators for electronic devices, and so LEDs areavailable in packages of different shapes and sizes to suit theparticular application. Additionally, different illumination colors orradiation wavelengths across the visible spectrum are available, fromthe low wavelength red to the high wavelength violet. Beyond the visiblespectrum, however, there are LEDs capable of emitting infrared waves,which are typically utilized for inter-device communications. At theopposing end of the spectrum, ultraviolet waves may be utilized forsterilizing, sanitizing and disinfecting purposes. However, ultravioletwaves can also be used to cause ultraviolet-sensitive inks, dyes,paints, and various materials that are coated, painted, or pigmentedwith such inks, dyes, and paints to fluoresce or change color whenilluminated to different visual effects. Although a typical miniatureLED indicator light has an operating current of around 20 mA with lessthan 1 lumen of output, some recent high power LEDs are capable ofoperating currents of hundreds of mA and over a thousand lumens ofoutput, which can serve as substitutes for incandescent bulbs inlighting applications.

The operational principles of LED devices are well known, with a centralpart being a semiconductor material that is doped to create a P-Njunction. The anode, or the P-side of the junction is connected to apositive terminal of a power supply, while the cathode, or the N-side ofthe junction, is connected to a negative or common terminal of the powersupply. As electricity flows between the P-N junction, energy in theform of a light photon is released. Whether utilized as a miniature lowpower indicator or as a high-intensity illuminator, LEDs operate in thismanner.

In some applications, an LED can be utilized as a photodetector, wherephotons of light falling on the P-N junction are converted to anelectrical signal. Instead of being connected to a power supply, the LEDmay be connected to a detection circuit to produce a response uponreceiving a signal therefrom. Alternatively, the LED may incorporatecontacts within the body that are connectible to a touch sensorintegrated circuit. The contacts may be utilized as capacitive touchsensors to trigger an output upon a finger or other capacitive elementinteracting with the contacts. U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,866,708, 9,471,181, and9,851,826 all to Fong, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety, discloses such a light emitting diode switch device. Thus, asingle LED may be utilized for both output and input functions.

A variety of different LED packages are known in the art, though one ofthe most common the through-hole type comprised of a body withconnecting wires extending therefrom. The body may be cylindrical with apartially spherical or dome top, though rectangular or square bodieswith flat tops, or other geometric shapes exist. Generally, the body isconstructed of a translucent plastic that has the same tint color asthat of the emitted light, and the cathode, anode, and theelectroluminescent semiconductor element, e.g., the diode, areencapsulated therein. In the aforementioned touch-sensitive LEDswitches, the touch sensor contacts are also understood to beencapsulated within the body. Beyond different types of through-holepackages, surface mount technology without wires extending therefrom arealso utilized to package LEDs.

As mentioned above, LEDs are oftentimes used for indicating anoperational state of an electronic device. Earlier electronic devicessimply mounted the LED such that the light-emitting portion was exposedto the exterior of the device housing. The operationalstate(s)/output(s) indicated by the LED may simply have been describedin separate documentation with no further descriptor on the device, or adescriptive label may have been affixed or printed adjacent to the LED.However, an improved device aesthetic and user interface experience maybe achieved by selectively illuminating the descriptive label itself.For example, in a device power indicator, an “ON” descriptor may bedirectly illuminated when the device is powered on, and not illuminatedwhen the device is powered off. A variety of configurations for suchindicator functionality are known in the art, including forming a matrixof individual LEDs as point or segments of letters or other symbols, aswell as cutting openings or partial etchings on the indicator surfacecorresponding to the letters or symbols, placing partially translucentdiffusion filter covers thereon, and illuminating the cover fromunderneath the surface with an LED.

A typical LED, however, emits a relatively narrow light beam incomparison to more diffuse light sources such as incandescent bulbs,fluorescent tubes, and neon. Although uniform illumination of the entirediffusion filter cover is preferable, due to the lower beam widthoutputs of LEDs, there may be bright spots, dark spots, and otherirregularities over its illumination area. When an irregularillumination effect is particularly pronounced, the indicator may not bereadily discernible, or may appear deactivated when it is not.Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved optic foruniform illumination output from an LED over a wider area thanconventional diffusers. There is also a need in the art for an optic foran indicator panels illuminated by LEDs, and retain the inputfunctionality of capacitive touch sensor LED switch devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of an opticassembly, an optic for an electroluminescent semiconductor device, andan illuminated indicator panel. In one embodiment the optic assembly isfor a light emitting diode that may be mounted to a printed circuitboard. The optic assembly may include a primary lens defined by aprimary lens anterior surface and an opposed primary lens rear taperwith a tip facing the light emitting diode. There may also be asecondary lens with a secondary lens anterior surface and an opposedsecondary lens posterior surface facing the printed circuit board. Thesecondary lens may define a central cavity with the primary lens beingdisposed therein.

In another embodiment, the optic for an electroluminescent semiconductordevice may include a lens having an annular notch formed therein. Thisnotch may facilitate the formation of a tapered primary lens sectionwith a tip facing the electroluminescent semiconductor device, as wellas a secondary lens section encircling and interfacing with the primarylens section.

Yet another embodiment may be an illuminated indicator panel. Thisindicator panel may include a printed circuit board, as well as one ormore electroluminescent semiconductor devices mounted to the printedcircuit board. There may be one or more lenses each having an annularnotch formed therein. This notch may facilitate the formation of atapered primary lens section with a tip facing a respective one of theelectroluminescent semiconductor devices. The notch may also facilitatethe formation of a secondary lens section encircling and interfacingwith the primary lens section. The lenses may be mounted to the printedcircuit board. The illuminated indicator panel may include a panel coverwith one or more indicia etched thereon overlapping each of the one ormore lenses with the panel cover mounted thereto.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there may bea combination illuminated indicator and input panel. It may include aprinted circuit board defined by a top face and an opposed bottom face.Additionally, there may be one or more electroluminescent semiconductordevices mounted to the printed circuit board. The combinationilluminated indicator and input panel may also include a firstconductive layer on the top face of the printed circuit board thatsurrounds a region on which one of the one or more electroluminescentsemiconductor devices is mounted. The first conductive layer may beconnectible to an input of a touch sensor controller. There may also bea second conductive layer on the bottom face of the printed circuitboard that surrounds the region on which the one of the one or moreelectroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted. The firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer may be in axialalignment. The combination illuminated indicator and input panel mayalso include a panel cover over the one or more electroluminescentsemiconductor devices.

Another embodiment is an optic assembly for a light emitting diodemounted to a printed circuit board. There may be a primary lens definedby a primary lens anterior surface and an opposed primary lens posteriorsurface facing the light emitting diode. The optic assembly may alsoinclude a secondary lens with a secondary lens anterior surface and anopposed secondary lens posterior surface facing the printed circuitboard. The secondary lens may define a central cavity with the primarylens being disposed therein.

The present disclosure will be best understood accompanying by referenceto the following detailed description when read in conjunction with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an illuminatedindicator panel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the illuminated indicator panelshown in FIG. 1 taken along axis X-X;

FIG. 3A is a first cross-sectional view of an optic assembly accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure including a primary lensand a secondary lens;

FIG. 3B is a second cross-sectional view of the optic assembly shown inFIG. 3A along a different axis Y-Y;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the opticassembly with an electroluminescent semiconductor element being mountedonto the same side of a printed circuit board as the primary andsecondary lenses;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the opticassembly with an alternatively configured primary lens;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the opticassembly with the primary lens as shown in FIG. 5 and theelectroluminescent semiconductor element mounted onto the same side ofthe printed circuit board as the primary and secondary lenses;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the opticassembly with a disk-shaped primary lens;

FIGS. 8A-8I illustrate various profiles of the primary lens utilized inthe optic assembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the opticassembly;

FIG. 10A is a first cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of theoptic assembly with an integral lens defined by a primary lens sectionwith a conical taper and a secondary lens section;

FIG. 10B is a second cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of theoptic assembly shown in FIG. 10A taken along axis Z-Z thereof withprinted circuit board mounts being illustrated;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the opticassembly with the electroluminescent semiconductor element being mountedon the same side of the printed circuit board as the integral lens;

FIG. 12 cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the opticassembly with an alternately configured primary lens section with aspherical taper;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an ninth embodiment of the opticassembly with the primary lens section having a spherical taper, asecondary lens section with a flat face, and the electroluminescentsemiconductor element being mounted on the same side of the printedcircuit board as the integral lens;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the illuminatedindicator panel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of the opticassembly incorporated into the illuminated indicator panel shown in FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a eleventh embodiment of the opticassembly with a tertiary lens, and may be incorporated into theilluminated indicator panel;

FIG. 17A is a top plan view of a first variation of a printed circuitboard utilized in various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B is a bottom plan view of the first variation of the printedcircuit board shown in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a top plan view of a second variation of a printed circuitboard utilized in various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 18B is a bottom plan view of the second variation of the printedcircuit board shown in FIG. 18A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the several presentlycontemplated embodiments of an optic for both conventional lightemitting diode (LED) devices and LED switch devices, and is not intendedto represent the only form in which such embodiments may be developed orutilized. The description sets forth the functions and features inconnection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood,however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished bydifferent embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed withinthe scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that theuse of relational terms such as first and second and the like are usedsolely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities.

With reference to FIG. 1, various embodiments of the present disclosurecontemplate an illuminated indicator panel 10 that may be utilized in anelectronic device having various operational states indicated by outputsand controlled by inputs. The generating of such outputs and thereception of such inputs, which may be independent of each other, isunderstood to be implemented with a single touch-sensitive LED switchdevice 12.

As discussed earlier, the LED switch device 12 incorporates one or morecapacitive touch sensors that are connectible to a touch sensorcontroller, as well as an electroluminescent semiconductor device thatoutputs light photons in response to an electrical stimulus that isgenerated by an LED driver circuit. More particularly, a finger or othercapacitive element that is brought into proximity to a given one of thecapacitive touch sensors is understood to trigger the detection of aninput state by the touch sensor controller, while another component suchas a microcontroller or general-purpose data processor generatescommands to the LED driver circuit that causes the LED to illuminate.The LED switch device 12 is thus understood to serve simultaneously asan input device and an output device. While the disclosed embodimentsutilize such a combined input/output LED switch device 12, it will beappreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that aconventional output-only LED device may be substituted.

The LED switch device 12 is mounted to a printed circuit board 14 thatinterconnects the various input and output lines from the LED switchdevice 12 to the touch sensor controller, the LED driver circuit, andthe microcontroller. According to various embodiments, interfaced witheach of the LED switch devices 12 is an optic assembly 16, and thecombination of the LED switch device 12 and the optic assembly may bereferred to as lighted switch unit 18.

In the illustrated example, the illuminated indicator panel 10 may beconfigured for an electronic device that incorporates an input forstarting a function, stopping a function, selecting an automaticoperation mode, and selecting a mode. Additionally, the electronicdevice may be turned on and off via the illuminated indicator panel 10.In this regard, there is understood to be a first lighted switch unit 18a, a second lighted switch unit 18 b, a third lighted switch unit 18 c,a fourth lighted switch unit 18 d, and a fifth lighted switch unit 18 ecorresponding to such input functions. These functions and inputs arepresented by way of example only and not of limitation, as any otherinput function may be handled by the lighted switch units 18.

Mounted above the lighted switch units 18 a-18 d is a panel cover 20with various indicia 22 that corresponds to the input functions of therespective one of the lighted switch units 18 a-18 e. As additionallyshown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the panel cover 20 isunderstood to be mounted in alignment with the underlying printedcircuit board 14, with the indicia being aligned and in an overlappingrelationship with the lighted switch units 18. In the exemplaryembodiment, the first lighted switch unit 18 a may be for turning on andturning off the electronic device, and so it is aligned with the“ON/OFF” indicia 22 a on the panel cover 20 when it is mounted to theprinted circuit board 14. The second lighted switch unit 18 b may be formode selection input, and so it is aligned with the “mode” indicia 22 bon the panel cover 20. The third lighted switch unit 18 c may be for theauto mode selection input, and so it is aligned with the “auto mode”indicia 22 c on the panel cover 20. The fourth lighted switch unit 18 dmay be for a start input, and so it is optically aligned with the“start” indicia 22 d on the panel cover 20. Lastly, the fifth lightedswitch unit 18 e may be for a stop input, and thus it is aligned withthe “STOP” indicia 22 e on the panel cover 20.

The present disclosure contemplates an electroluminescent semiconductorelement illuminating the indicia 22 from underneath the panel cover 20.More particularly, the electroluminescent semiconductor element that isintegrated into the LED switch device 12 is driven on, and the lighttherefrom is evenly distributed across the entirety of the indicia 22 bythe optic assembly 16, the structure and configuration of which will bedescribed more fully below. Additionally, touch inputs upon the panelcover 20 in proximity to the respective indicia 22 are understood to bedetectable via the touch sensors also within the lighted switch unit 18.That is, a touch input on or near the “ON/OFF” indicia 22 a isunderstood to activate the functionality associated with the firstlighted switch unit 18 a, e.g., turning on or turning off the electronicdevice, a touch input on or near the “mode” indicia 22 b is understoodto activate the second lighted switch unit 18 b, e.g., selecting anoperating mode, and so forth.

The illumination of the indicia 22 is understood to be independent ofthe touch input. However, it is possible to change the output based onthe touch input. As a general matter, the color/wavelength and theintensity of the light output from the electroluminescent semiconductorelement of the LED switch device 12 may be varied. Further, it ispossible for the LED driver circuit to pulse or otherwise time-sequencethe output of the light. These visual effects may be combined and beoutput in response to a detection of the touch input. For example, the“ON/OFF” indicia 22 a may be illuminated red while the electronic deviceis powered off, and a gradually approaching capacitive touch input maybe responded to by flashing the LED switch device 12. Depending on theresolving capabilities of the touch sensor controller, the closer thefinger is to the panel cover 20, the pulse can be output faster. Oncethe finger makes contact with the panel cover, the electronic device maybe powered on, and the illumination color may be changed to green. Thisis but one exemplary input/output sequence, and other sequences/visualeffects may be implemented.

The backlighting of the indicia 22 may be achieved in several differentways. In one embodiment, the panel cover 20 may be constructed of anopaque material, with the indicia 22 being cut through the entirethickness thereof. Optionally, a translucent or light-diffusing materialmay fill in the opening. In another embodiment, the indicia 22 may beetched partially into the panel cover 20 that is constructed of apartially opaque material, in which the reduced thickness of the etchedportions being partially light-transmissive while the thicker, unetchedportions being more opaque. In still another embodiment, the indicia 22may be imprinted, silk-screen printed, or pad-printed with the indicia22 in reverse white or light color while the rest of the surroundingbackground on the panel cover 20 may be printed or coated with a darkeror denser-colored or opaque paint or material. Metal, glass, ceramic,glass ceramic, as well as plastic may be utilized for the panel cover20, and those having ordinary skill in the art will recognizealternative ways and materials that may be substituted without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. In still another embodiment,there may be no indicia 22 on the panel cover 20, but may be included onthe optic assembly 16. In such cases, the user-facing side of the opticassembly 16 may have an opaque coating applied thereto, and the indicia22 may be laser etched in the coating. In another embodiment, theindicia 22 may likewise be omitted on a clear or translucent cover 20,but may be included on the optic assembly 16. With these embodiments,the user-facing side of the optic assembly 16 may have a light-colored,e.g., white translucent coating applied thereto, and a denser coloredindicia 22 may be silk-screen printed, spray-painted, or pad-printed ontop of the coating, or vice versa, e.g., reverse white indicia on adenser-colored background.

The illuminated indicator panel 10 utilizes a first embodiment of theoptic assembly 16 a, additional details of which are shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. According to this embodiment, there is a primary lens 100 thatis defined by a primary lens anterior surface 102 and an opposed primarylens rear taper 104 with a tip 106. In the illustrated embodiment, theprimary lens 100 may also be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 108between the primary lens anterior surface 102 and primary lens reartaper 104. Thus, the primary lens anterior surface 102 is circular, andin this first embodiment, the primary lens rear taper 104 has a conicalshape. The tip 106 faces the LED switch device 12, which is defined by alight emitting side 24 and an opposed base side 26. The touch sensorcontacts embedded within the package of the LED switch device 12 areunderstood to be disposed toward the light emitting side 24.

The illustrated optic assembly is presented by way of example only. Theprimary lens anterior surface 102 may be circular, oval, or any otherdesirable shape. Moreover, the primary lens rear taper 104 may becomprised of multiple flat facets angled relative to each other along agenerally circular pattern and terminating at the tip 106, or spherical,pyramidal, ovoid, tetrahedral, or any other geometric shape that can begenerally characterized as a taper and/or further aids in the evenreflection of the light. Along these lines, the primary lens 100 mayalso be a sphere, an ovoid, or any round-shaped, ball-shaped, or otherstructure or profile. In such embodiments, when referring to the primarylens anterior surface 102, this may refer to a portion that comprises ahalf of the sphere or other ball-shaped structure. Furthermore, whenreferring to the primary lens rear taper 104, that portion may likewisebe the other part or half of the sphere or other ball-shaped structure.Additional embodiments of the optic assembly 16 disclosed hereinlikewise include primary lenses defined by a primary lens anteriorsurface having specified geometric shapes, as well as primary lens reartapers with specific geometric shapes. In the context of such additionalembodiments, it is to be understood that the specific reference to thegeometric shape of the primary lens anterior surface and/or the primarylens rear taper are exemplary only, and any other geometric shapeincluding those mentioned above may be readily substituted in suchalternative embodiments.

The illustrated embodiment utilizes the combined input/output LED switchdevice 12 that incorporates touch sensor contacts, but conventionaloutput-only LEDs may be substituted while still retaining touch-inputfeatures. As will be described in further detail below, the printedcircuit board 14 may include conductive traces underneath the opticassembly 16 that can substitute for, and/or supplement to touch sensorcontacts in the LED switch device 12. In preferred, though optionalembodiments, those configurations of the lighted switch unit 18 in whichthe LED switch device 12 is mounted to the bottom face 30 as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B are those in which a substitution of a conventional LEDfor the LED switch device 12 would be most applicable.

The printed circuit board 14 is similarly defined by a top face 28 andan opposed bottom face 30. One embodiment of the illuminated indicatorpanel 10 contemplates the LED switch device 12 being mounted to thebottom face 30 of the printed circuit board 14, with the optic assembly16 being mounted to its top face 28. Accordingly, the printed circuitboard 14 further defines an aperture or opening 32, with the lightemitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 being axially alignedtherewith. FIG. 3B best illustrates the mechanical attachment of the LEDswitch device 12 to the printed circuit board 14, with distal endportions 34 of the LED switch device 12 that extend beyond the opening32 being fixed to the bottom face 30 of the printed circuit board 14.

The first embodiment of the optic assembly 16 a further includes asecondary lens 110 that is generally defined by a secondary lensanterior surface 112 and an opposed secondary lens posterior surface114. Generally, the secondary lens 110 has a cylindrical configurationwith a vertical sidewall 116 defining its thickness between thesecondary lens anterior surface 112 and the secondary lens posteriorsurface 114. Thus, the secondary lens anterior surface 112 has acircular profile. Likewise, the secondary lens posterior surface 114 hasa circular outer profile. As mentioned above in relation to the primarylens 100, the specific reference to the geometric profile of thesecondary lens 110 being cylindrical is likewise understood to beexemplary, and not limiting. Any other shape may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, theadditional embodiments of the optic assembly 16 disclosed further belowalso describe the secondary lens as having a cylindrical configuration,though these are understood to be by way of example only. In the contextof such additional embodiments, alternative geometric shapes besides thenoted cylindrical configuration may also be utilized, including oval,square, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, hexagonal,octagonal, and so on.

The secondary lens 110 further defines a central cavity 118, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 114. The centralcavity 118 has a cylindrical configuration with a vertical sidewall 120,as well as a circular base cavity wall 122. With the central cavity 118thus defined in the secondary lens 110, the secondary lens posteriorsurface 114 has a generally annular or ring-shaped profile. Fitted inthe central cavity 118 is the primary lens 100. Again, although specificreference is made to a cylindrically configured central cavity 118, thisis by way of example only and not of limitation. The central cavity 118in this embodiment, as well as other central cavities in furtherembodiments disclosed below, may utilize an alternately shaped centralcavity.

As illustrated, the diameter of the primary lens 100, and moreparticularly its outer cylindrical wall 108, is understood to be sizedand configured for a frictional retention within the vertical sidewall120 of the central cavity 118. That is, the circumference of the outercylindrical wall 108 may be slightly larger than the circumference ofthe central cavity 118 of the secondary lens 110, with the verticalsidewall 120 of the central cavity 118 having an undercut ring section119 to retain the primary lens 100 therein. Besides the foregoingfrictional undercutting retention, other retention modalities such asglue or others may be substituted.

The primary lens anterior surface 102 also contacts or abuts against thecircular base cavity wall 122. In the first embodiment of the opticassembly 16 a, the primary lens anterior surface 102 has a concaveconfiguration, so there may be a gap 124 between it and the circularbase cavity wall 122. Fabrication of this embodiment of the opticassembly 16 may involve separately molding the primary lens 100 and thesecondary lens 110, allowing for the concave primary lens anteriorsurface 102 to be formed, and then subsequently inserted into thecentral cavity 118.

The primary lens rear taper 104 and the vertical sidewall 120 of thesecondary lens 110 is understood to define a reverse conical notch. Thespecific reference to the conical notch is understood to be by way ofexample only and not of limitation. Between potential variations in thecentral cavity 118 as well as the primary lens rear taper 104, there maybe a variety of permutations of geometric shapes that this reverseconical notch may take. All such variations are deemed to be within thescope of the present disclosure, in both this embodiment of the opticassembly 16 as well as others disclosed hereinbelow.

The height of the primary lens 100, that is, the distance from theprimary lens anterior surface 102 to the tip 106, is understood tosubstantially correspond to the depth of the central cavity 118. Thesecondary lens posterior surface 114 abuts against the top face 28 ofthe printed circuit board 14, while the primary lens 100 is positionedabove the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14. The principal axisof the primary lens 100 is in alignment with the center, light-emittingportion of the LED switch device 12. The output from the LED switchdevice 12 passes through the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14,and diffused through the secondary lens 110, thereby evenly illuminatingthe indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 positioned on top of the secondarylens anterior surface 112. The surface area, circumference, or diameterof the primary lens 100 is understood to be equal to or greater than anemission window of the LED switch device 12, the central cavity 118,and/or the opening 32. This relationship between the size of the primarylens 100 and the other portions of the optic assembly 16 to which itinterfaces is contemplated to reduce dark and hot spots when thesecondary lens anterior surface 112 is illuminated.

Although the optic assembly 16 is contemplated to function based on theforegoing geometry, further improvements in diffusing the illuminationoutput from the LED switch device 12 may be possible by coating thesurfaces of the primary lens 100 and the secondary lens 110 withalternately light-reflective and light-absorptive/blocking coatings thatare selectively applied to maximum effect. As a general matter, theprimary lens 100 and the secondary lens 110 are transparent ortranslucent. In a preferred, though optional embodiment, the secondarylens 110 may be fabricated from silicone rubber, or polyvinyl chloride(PVC) plastic, etc. or any other suitable plastic materials, while theprimary lens 100 may be fabricated also from silicone rubber, or anotherplastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PVC, ordie-case metal alloy materials or any other suitable materials such asglass, ceramic, silicon, paper, and so forth. Silicone is understood toconduct the capacitive touch input to the LED switch device 12.Additionally, the silicone rubber may be fabricated to have a white tintthat aids in the light diffusion.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the vertical sidewall 116 may becoated with a light-absorptive material, e.g., black paint, to limit theamount of light leaking sideways where it is not visible to a viewer ofthe panel cover 20. Alternatively, the outer surface of the verticalsidewall 116 may be coated with a light-reflective material such asmetallic silver paint, that reflects the light being transmittedoutwardly toward the vertical sidewall 116, and back to the interior ofthe secondary lens 110. Along these lines, the contact area between thesecondary lens posterior surface 114 and the printed circuit board 14may be coated with a light-reflective material, e.g., silver or whitepaint. The outer surface of the primary lens rear taper 104 may bepainted with a substantially light-transmissive coating such as whitepaint to allow the light from the LED switch device 12 to pass throughto the primary lens 100 and diffused thereby, with the divergent lightbeing transmitted to the entirety of the secondary lens 110, as shown inFIG. 3A. It is also possible to coat the outer surface of the primarylens rear taper 104 with a light-reflective material, e.g., metallicsilver paint, to reflect the light from the LED switch device 12 andtoward the cylindrical sidewall 120 defining the central cavity 118 ofthe secondary lens 110. In such embodiment, the secondary lens 110 isunderstood to diffuse the reflected light hitting the reflective surfaceof the primary lens rear taper 104, as depicted in FIG. 3B.

A secondary effect of the metallic silver paint is understood to be theincrease in capacitive touch input sensitivity, as the additional metallayer serves as a capacitive touch contact even though it is notelectrically connected to a touch sensor controller. Along these lines,additional metallic components may be added on top of or underneath thepanel cover 20 without making electrical connections to other componentsof the lighted switch unit 18, including the optic assembly 16 or theLED switch device 12, and such metallic components are understood toenhance the capacitive touch input sensitivity. Thus, to the extent suchmetallic components are added on top of the panel cover 20, they mayincorporate various ornamental features that enhance the aestheticappeal of the overall device.

With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3B, various embodiments contemplate alens holder 126 with an annular configuration that is sized andconfigured to retain the secondary lens 110 within. The lens holder 126may include a pair of feet 128 that mate with a correspondinglypositioned locator hole 36 defined by the printed circuit board 14. Thisengagement between the lens holder 126 and the printed circuit board 14is understood to limit its axial rotation, and further, restrict thewithdrawal of the secondary lens 110 along its central axis.

While various features of the optic assembly 16 have been described inthe context of the first embodiment 16 a, it will be understood thatcertain ones are not intended to be limited to such an embodiment. Thesefeatures may be adapted to other embodiments described in more detailbelow, even if the description thereof does not make specific mentionthereto. In this regard, unless otherwise indicated or described asmutually exclusive, or is contextually apparent from the descriptionsthat one feature in one embodiment is exclusive of another feature in adifferent embodiment, the features of the optic assembly are understoodto be interchangeable.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 depicts a second embodiment of theoptic assembly 16 b, in which the LED switch device 12 and the opticsare mounted to the same side of the printed circuit board 14. Accordingto this embodiment, there is a primary lens 200 that is defined by aprimary lens anterior surface 202 and an opposed primary lens rear taper204 with a tip 206. The primary lens 200 may be defined by an outercylindrical wall 208 between the primary lens anterior surface 202 and aprimary lens rear taper 204. Thus, by way of example, the primary lensanterior surface 202 may be circular, and the primary lens rear taper204 may have a conical shape. The tip 206 faces the LED switch device12, which, again, is defined by the light emitting side 24 and theopposed base side 26.

As briefly mentioned above, the second embodiment of the optic assembly16 b contemplates the mounting of the LED switch device 12 on the topface 28 of the printed circuit board 14. A secondary lens 210 is alsomounted to the top face 28 and is generally defined by a secondary lensanterior surface 212 and an opposed secondary lens posterior surface214. The secondary lens 210 has a cylindrical configuration with avertical sidewall 216 defining its thickness between the secondary lensanterior surface 212 and the secondary lens posterior surface 214. Likethe first embodiment of the optic assembly 16 b and its correspondingconstituent parts, the secondary lens anterior surface 212 has acircular profile, and the secondary lens posterior surface 214 has acircular outer profile.

The secondary lens 210 further defines a central cavity 218, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 214. The centralcavity 218 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first verticalsidewall 220 that is sized and configured to accept the LED switchdevice 12, and a second vertical sidewall 221 that is sized andconfigured to accept the primary lens 200. The central cavity 218 isfurther defined by a circular base cavity wall 222. The secondary lensposterior surface 214 thus has a generally annular profile. Fitted inthe central cavity 218 is the primary lens 200 and the LED switch device12, with the primary lens 200 being within the portion of the centralcavity 218 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 221 and the LEDswitch device 12 being within the portion of the central cavity 218corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 220.

The diameter of the primary lens 200, and more particularly thecircumference of its outer cylindrical wall 208, is understood to besized and configured for a frictional retention within the secondvertical sidewall 221 of the central cavity 218. Other retention modesmay be substituted without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. The primary lens anterior surface 202 also abuts against acircular base cavity wall 222. In the second embodiment of the opticassembly 16 b, the primary lens anterior surface 202 has a concaveconfiguration, so there may be a gap 224 between it and the circularbase cavity wall 222. Along these lines, the primary lens rear taper 204and the second vertical sidewall 221 of the secondary lens 210 isunderstood to define a reverse conical notch.

The height of the primary lens 200 is understood to substantiallycorrespond to the depth of the central cavity 218 spanning the secondvertical sidewall 221, while height of the LED switch device 12 isunderstood to substantially correspond to the depth of the centralcavity 218 spanning the first vertical sidewall 220. The secondary lensposterior surface 214 abuts against the top face 28 of the printedcircuit board 14, and the first vertical sidewall 220 is oversized toaccommodate the LED switch device 12. The primary lens 200 is positionedimmediately above the LED switch device 12. The principal axis of theprimary lens 200 is in alignment with the center, light-emitting portionof the LED switch device 12. The output from the LED switch device 12 istransmitted through the primary lens 200 and diffused through thesecondary lens 210 to evenly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panelcover 20 positioned on top of the secondary lens anterior surface 212. Alens holder 226 with an annular configuration is sized and configured toretain the secondary lens 210 within.

Referring now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, a third embodimentof the optic assembly 16 c utilizes an alternative primary lensconfiguration. Like the first embodiment 16 a, the LED switch device 12is mounted to the side of the printed circuit board opposite the side inwhich the optic assembly 16 c is mounted. There is a primary lens 300defined by a primary lens anterior surface 302 and an opposed primarylens rear taper 304 with a tip 306. The primary lens 300 may also bedefined by an outer cylindrical wall 308 between the primary lensanterior surface 302 and primary lens rear taper 304. By way of example,the primary lens anterior surface 302 may be circular while a primarylens rear taper 304 may be conically shaped. The tip 306 faces the LEDswitch device 12, which is defined by a light emitting side 24 and anopposed base side 26.

Again, the printed circuit board 14 is defined by the top face 28 and anopposed bottom face 30. In this embodiment, the LED switch device 12 ismounted to the bottom face 30 of the printed circuit board 14, with theoptic assembly 16 c being mounted to its top face 28. The LED switchdevice 12 may be substituted with a conventional output-only LED whileretaining touch input capabilities by virtue of a conductive trace beingprovided on the top face 28 and connected to a touch sensor controller,as will be described in further detail below. The printed circuit board14 accordingly has the aperture or opening 32, with the light emittingside 24 of the LED switch device 12 being axially aligned therewith.

The third embodiment of the optic assembly 16 c likewise includes asecondary lens 310 that is generally defined by a secondary lensanterior surface 312 and an opposed secondary lens posterior surface314. The secondary lens 310 has a cylindrical configuration with avertical sidewall 316 defining its thickness between the secondary lensanterior surface 312 and the secondary lens posterior surface 314. Thus,the secondary lens anterior surface 312 has a circular profile, and thesecondary lens posterior surface 314 has a circular outer profile.

The secondary lens 310 further defines a central cavity 318, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 314. The centralcavity 318 has a cylindrical configuration with a vertical sidewall 320,as well as a circular base cavity wall 322. With the central cavity 318thus defined in the secondary lens 310, the secondary lens posteriorsurface 314 has a generally annular or ring-shaped profile. Fitted inthe central cavity 318 is the primary lens 300.

The diameter of the primary lens 300, and more particularly its outercylindrical wall 308, is sized and configured for a frictional retentionwithin the vertical sidewall 320 of the central cavity 318. That is, thecircumference of the central cavity 318 may be less than thecircumference of the outer cylindrical wall 308 of the primary lens 300,with the central cavity 318 expanding to compressively retain theprimary lens 300 therein. Alternatively, a double molding process inwhich the primary lens 300 is inserted and/or molded within and insidethe central cavity 318 of the secondary lens 310 may be used. Otherretention modalities are possible, as described more fully above.

The primary lens anterior surface 302 also contacts or abuts against thecircular base cavity wall 322. In this illustrated embodiment, theprimary lens anterior surface 302 is flat, so a substantial entiretythereof is understood to contact a substantial entirety of the circularbase cavity wall 322. Like the other embodiments having the primary lensrear taper 304, the vertical sidewall 320 of the secondary lens 310together with the primary lens rear taper 304 define a reverse conicalnotch. The specific reference to the conical notch is understood to beby way of example only and not of limitation. Between potentialvariations in the central cavity 318 as well as the primary lens reartaper 304, there may be a variety of permutations of geometric shapesthat this reverse conical notch may take.

The height of the primary lens 300 may correspond to the depth of thecentral cavity 318. The secondary lens posterior surface 314 abutsagainst the top face 28 of the printed circuit board 14, while theprimary lens 300 is positioned above the opening 32 of the printedcircuit board 14. The optic assembly 16 c includes a lens holder 326having an annular configuration and is sized and configured to retainthe secondary lens 310 within, and the lens holder 326 in turn ismounted to the printed circuit board 14. Optionally, the lens holder 326may be integrated into the panel cover 20.

FIG. 6 depicts a fourth embodiment of the optic assembly 16 d in whichthe LED switch device 12 and the optics are mounted to the same side ofthe printed circuit board 14 and utilizing the primary lensconfiguration of the third embodiment 16 c. The primary lens 400 isdefined by a primary lens anterior surface 402 and an opposed primarylens rear taper 404 with a tip 406. The primary lens 400 may be definedby an outer cylindrical wall 408 between the primary lens anteriorsurface 402 and a primary lens rear taper 404. By way of example, theprimary lens anterior surface 402 may be circular, and the primary lensrear taper 404 may have a conical shape. The tip 406 faces the LEDswitch device 12, which, again, is defined by the light emitting side 24and the opposed base side 26.

A secondary lens 410 is also mounted to the top face 28 and is generallydefined by a secondary lens anterior surface 412 and an opposedsecondary lens posterior surface 414. The secondary lens 410 has acylindrical configuration with a vertical sidewall 416 defining itsthickness between the secondary lens anterior surface 412 and thesecondary lens posterior surface 414. The secondary lens anteriorsurface 412 has a circular profile, and the secondary lens posteriorsurface 414 has a circular outer profile.

The secondary lens 410 further defines a central cavity 418, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 414. The centralcavity 418 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first verticalsidewall 420 that is sized and configured to accept the LED switchdevice 12, and a second vertical sidewall 421 that is sized andconfigured to accept the primary lens 400. The central cavity 418 isadditionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 422. The secondarylens posterior surface 414 accordingly has a generally annular profile.Fitted in the central cavity 418 is the primary lens 400 and the LEDswitch device 12, with the primary lens 400 being within the portion ofthe central cavity 418 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 421and the LED switch device 12 being within the portion of the centralcavity 418 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 420.

The diameter of the primary lens 400/the circumference of its outercylindrical wall 408 is understood to be sized and configured for africtional retention of the primary lens 400 within the second verticalsidewall 421 of the central cavity 418. The primary lens anteriorsurface 402 also contacts or abuts against the circular base cavity wall422. Like the third embodiment of the optic assembly 16 c, the primarylens anterior surface 402 of the fourth embodiment of the optic assembly16 d is flat, so a substantial entirety thereof is understood to contacta substantial entirety of the circular base cavity wall 422. Like theother embodiments having the primary lens rear taper 404, the firstvertical sidewall 420 of the secondary lens 410 together with theprimary lens rear taper 404 define a reverse conical notch. The specificreference to the conical notch is understood to be by way of exampleonly and not of limitation. Between potential variations in the centralcavity 418 as well as the primary lens rear taper 404, there may be avariety of permutations of geometric shapes that this reverse conicalnotch may take.

The height of the primary lens 400 is understood to substantiallycorrespond to the depth of the central cavity 418 spanning the secondvertical sidewall 421, while height of the LED switch device 12 isunderstood to substantially correspond to the depth of the centralcavity 418 spanning the first vertical sidewall 420. The secondary lensposterior surface 414 abuts against the top face 28 of the printedcircuit board 14, and the first vertical sidewall 420 is oversized toaccommodate the LED switch device 12. The primary lens 400 is positionedimmediately above the LED switch device 12. The principal axis of theprimary lens 400 is in alignment with the center, light-emitting portionof the LED switch device 12. The output from the LED switch device 12 istransmitted through the primary lens 400 and diffused through thesecondary lens 410 to evenly illuminate the indicia 22 on the panelcover 20 positioned on top of the secondary lens anterior surface 412. Alens holder 426 having an annular configuration is sized and configuredto retain the secondary lens 410 within, though it is also possible toincorporate the lens holder 426 into the panel cover 20.

FIG. 7 depicts a fifth embodiment of the optic assembly 16 e where theLED switch device 12 and the optics are likewise mounted to the sameside of the printed circuit board 14, though with an alternativelyconfigured primary lens 500 that is defined by a primary lens anteriorsurface 502 and an opposed primary lens posterior surface 503. Theprimary lens 500 is thus contemplated to be disk-shaped, that is, boththe primary lens anterior surface 502 and the primary lens posteriorsurface 503 are circular or substantially circular with an outercylindrical wall 508 between such surfaces that define a thickness ofthe primary lens 500. The primary lens posterior surface 503 faces theLED switch device 12, which, again, is defined by the light emittingside 24 and the opposed base side 26.

The optic assembly 16 e also includes a secondary lens 510 that has asimilar structure and configuration as other secondary lenses discussedabove. More particularly, the secondary lens 510 is mounted to the topface 28 of the printed circuit board 14, and is defined by a secondarylens anterior surface 512 and an opposed secondary lens posteriorsurface 514. The secondary lens 510 has a cylindrical configuration witha vertical sidewall 516 defining its thickness between the secondarylens anterior surface 512 and the secondary lens posterior surface 514.The secondary lens anterior surface 512 has a circular profile, and thesecondary lens posterior surface 514 has a circular outer profile.

The secondary lens 510 further defines a central cavity 518, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 514. The centralcavity 518 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first verticalsidewall 520 that is sized and configured to accept the LED switchdevice 12, and a second vertical sidewall 521 that is sized andconfigured to accept the primary lens 500. The central cavity 518 isadditionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 522. The secondarylens posterior surface 514 accordingly has a generally annular profile.Fitted in the central cavity 518 is the primary lens 500 and the LEDswitch device 12, with the primary lens 500 being within the portion ofthe central cavity 518 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 521and the LED switch device 12 being within the portion of the centralcavity 518 corresponding to the first vertical sidewall 520.

The diameter of the primary lens 500, and more particularly its outercylindrical wall 508, is understood to be sized and configured for africtional retention within the vertical sidewall 521 of the centralcavity 118. That is, the circumference of the outer cylindrical wall 508may be slightly larger than the circumference of the central cavity 518of the secondary lens 510, with the vertical wall 508 of the centralcavity 518 having an undercut ring section 519 to retain the primarylens 500 therein. Other retention modalities such as glue or others maybe substituted. The primary lens anterior surface 502 also contacts orabuts against the circular base cavity wall 522. In the illustratedembodiment, the primary lens anterior surface 502 is flat, so asubstantial entirety thereof is understood to contact a substantialentirety of the circular base cavity wall 522. The thickness of theprimary lens 500 may vary, and may be as thin as a single coating ofmaterial that is applied to the circular base cavity wall 522. It ispossible to integrally form the primary lens 500 and the secondary lens510 as a single lens structure, and those portions of such single lensstructure may correspond to or otherwise relate to the separate primarylens 500 and secondary lens 510.

Unlike the previously described embodiments, the primary lens 500 doesnot define a rear taper and hence there is no tip. The entirety of theprimary lens posterior surface 503 is thus understood to face the LEDswitch device 12. Like the other embodiments, however, the varioussurfaces or portions of the primary lens 500 may be painted withalternately reflective/white coatings or light-absorptive/black coatingsto maximize light transmission and dispersion effects. Furthermore, theprimary lens anterior surface 502 and the primary lens posterior surface503 may have varying profiles that can be selected for desirableeffects. FIG. 8A illustrates one such variation 500 a of the primarylens. This variant is characterized by a flat anterior surface 502 a anda flat posterior surface 503 a. FIG. 8B depicts a second variation 500 bof the primary lens with a concave anterior surface 502 b and a concaveanterior surface 503 b. FIG. 8C shows a third variation 500 c of theprimary lens with the concave anterior surface 502 b and the flatposterior surface 503 a. FIG. 8D shows a fourth variation 500 d with theconcave anterior surface 502 b and a convex posterior surface 503 c.FIG. 8E shows a fifth variation 500 e with a convex anterior surface 502c and the flat posterior surface 503 a. FIG. 8F shows a sixth variation500 f with the convex anterior surface 502 c and the concave posteriorsurface 503 b. FIG. 8G shows a seventh variation 500 g with the convexanterior surface 502 c and the convex posterior surface 503 c. FIG. 8Hshows an eighth variation 500 h with the flat anterior surface 502 a andthe convex posterior surface 503 c. Lastly, FIG. 8I shows a ninthvariation 500 i with the flat anterior surface 502 a and the concaveposterior surface 503 b. Each of these combinations ofposterior/anterior surfaces are understood to exhibit different lighttransmission and diffusion effects when combined with the secondary lens510, and those having ordinary skill in the art will be able to selectthe combination for a particular effect or extent of the effect.

The primary lens 500 is positioned immediately above the LED switchdevice 12. The principal axis of the primary lens 500 is in alignmentwith the center, light-emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. Theoutput from the LED switch device 12 is transmitted through the primarylens 500 and diffused through the secondary lens 510 to evenlyilluminate the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20 positioned on top of thesecondary lens anterior surface 512. A lens holder 526 having an annularconfiguration is sized and configured to retain the secondary lens 510within, though the lens holder 526 may be included as part of the panelcover 20.

Another embodiment of the illuminated indicator panel 10′ contemplatesthe integration of the primary lens and the secondary lens as a single,unitary structure. Such an alternative configuration may also becharacterized as a single lens with various sub-features that are partof the same structure, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B anddescribed with reference thereto. A sixth embodiment of the opticassembly 16 f has a lens 150 defined by an anterior surface 152 and anopposed posterior surface 154. The anterior surface 152 is understood tobe flat and circular, as the lens 150 has a cylindrical shape with avertical sidewall 156.

The lens 150 also includes an annular notch 158 formed therein as tofacilitate the formation of a tapered primary lens section 160 with atip 162 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LEDswitch device 12. The annular notch 158 also facilitates the formationof a secondary lens section 164 that encircles the tapered primary lenssection 160 and interface with the same. More particularly, the verticaldepth or extent of the annular notch 158 generally bisects the lens 150into an upper portion 166 having a flat, disc-shaped configuration thatat least partially interfaces with the tapered primary lens section 160,and a lower portion 168 having an annular or ring-shaped configurationthat encircles the tapered primary lens section 160. In this regard, theinterior of the annular notch 158 may also be defined by a verticalinterior sidewall 170.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered primary lens section 160 hasa conical shape, though this is by way of example only and not oflimitation. Alternative configurations may include a tapered primarylens section comprised of multiple flat facets angled relative to eachother along a generally circular pattern and terminating at the tip 162,spherical, pyramidal, tetrahedral, or any other geometric shape that canbe generally characterized as a taper and/or further aids in the evenreflection of the light. Additional embodiments of the optic assembly 16disclosed herein likewise include specified geometric shapes of thetapered primary lens section 160. In the context of such additionalembodiments, it is to be understood that the specific reference to thegeometric shape are exemplary only, and any other geometric shapeincluding those mentioned above may be readily substituted in suchalternative embodiments.

The tip 162 faces the LED switch device 12, which is defined by a lightemitting side 24 and an opposed base side 26. The touch sensor contactsembedded within the package of the LED switch device 12 are understoodto be disposed towards the light emitting side 24.

The LED switch device 12 may be mounted to the bottom face 30 of theprinted circuit board 14, with the sixth embodiment of the opticassembly 16 f being mounted to its top face 28. The annular notch 158 ofthe lens 150 thus opens to the opening 32 of the printed circuit board14, with the light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 beingaxially aligned with the tapered primary lens section 160 and its tip162 in particular. The tip 162 is co-extensive with the posteriorsurface 154 of the lens 150. FIG. 10B illustrates the mechanicalattachment of the LED switch device 12 to the printed circuit board 14,with distal end portions 34 of the LED switch device 12 that extendbeyond the opening 32 being fixed to the bottom face 30 of the printedcircuit board 14.

This embodiment of the lens 150 is also understood to incorporatefeatures of the lens holder that were otherwise separate components indifferent embodiments. In this regard, extending from the lower portion168 of the secondary lens section 164 and beyond the posterior surface154 are a pair of feet 172 that are insertable into the locator holes 36defined in the printed circuit board 14. This engagement between thelens 150 and the printed circuit board 14 is understood to limit itsaxial rotation, and further, restrict the withdrawal of the lens 150along its central axis away from the printed circuit board 14. The opticassembly 16 f may also be retained by the compressive force impartedthereon by the panel cover 20, which is facing the anterior surface 152of the lens 150.

The principal axis of the primary lens 160 is in alignment with thecenter, light-emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The outputfrom the LED switch device 12 passes through the opening 32 of theprinted circuit board 14 and diffused through the secondary lens section164, thereby evenly illuminating the indicia 22 on the panel cover 20positioned on top of the secondary lens anterior surface 152. To theextent the indicia 22 is imprinted on the lens 150, it is to beunderstood that such indicia is similarly illuminated.

As with the embodiments of the optic assembly 16 discussed above, thesixth embodiment 16 f further contemplates improvements in diffusing theillumination output from the LED switch device 12 by coating thesurfaces of the tapered primary lens section 160 and the secondary lenssection 164 with alternately light-reflective andlight-absorptive/blocking coatings that are selectively applied tomaximum effect. Generally, the lens 150 is understood to be transparentor translucent. In a preferred, though optional embodiment, the lens 150may be fabricated from silicone rubber, or another plastic material suchas ABS, PVC, and so forth. The silicone rubber may be fabricated to havea white tint that aids in the light diffusion.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the vertical sidewall 156 may becoated with a light-absorptive material, e.g., black paint, to limit theamount of light leaking sideways where it is not visible to a viewer ofthe panel cover 20. Alternatively, the outer surface of the verticalsidewall 156 may be coated with a light-reflective material such asmetallic silver paint, that reflects the light being transmittedoutwardly toward the vertical sidewall 156, and back to the interior ofthe lens 150. The outer surface of the tapered primary lens section 160,as well as the printed circuit board 14 in those areas contacting theposterior surface 154 of the lens 150 may be coated with alight-reflective material, e.g., solid white paint or metallic silverpaint, and so on, to better reflect and disperse the light from the LEDswitch device 12.

The outer surface of the primary lens section 160 may be painted with asubstantially light-transmissive coating such as white paint to allowthe light from the LED switch device 12 to pass through to the primarylens section 160 and diffused thereby, with the divergent light beingtransmitted to the entirety of the secondary lens section 164. It isalso possible to coat the outer surface of the primary lens section 160with a light-reflective material to reflect the light from the LEDswitch device 12 and toward the vertical interior sidewall 170. In suchembodiment, the secondary lens section 164 is understood to diffuse thereflected light hitting the reflective surface of the primary lenssection 160. A secondary effect of the metallic silver paint isunderstood to be the increase in capacitive touch input sensitivity, asthe additional metal layer serves as a capacitive touch contact eventhough it is not electrically connected to a touch sensor controller.

The cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 is of a seventh embodiment of theoptic assembly 16 g, in which the LED switch device 12 and the opticsare mounted to the same side of the printed circuit board 14. Accordingto this embodiment, there is a lens 250 defined by an anterior surface252 and an opposed posterior surface 254. The anterior surface 252 isunderstood to be flat and circular, as the lens 250 has a cylindricalshape with a vertical sidewall 256.

The lens 250 also includes an annular notch 258 formed therein as tofacilitate the formation of a tapered primary lens section 260 with atip 262 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LEDswitch device 12. In this regard, the light-emitting side 24 thereof isunderstood to face upwardly toward the tip 262, while the base side 26is attached to the printed circuit board 14. The annular notch 258includes a counterbore 259 that enlarges the diameter thereof andprovide additional clearance for the LED switch device 12 as it ismounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. The annularnotch 258 facilitates the formation of a secondary lens section 264 thatencircles the tapered primary lens section 260 and interface with thesame. The vertical depth or extent of the annular notch 258 generallybisects the lens 250 into an upper portion 266 having a flat,disc-shaped configuration that at least partially interfaces with thetapered primary lens section 260, and a lower portion 268 having anannular or ring-shaped configuration, at least a part of which encirclesthe tapered primary lens section 260.

In further detail, the lower portion 268 may be segregated into a firsthalf 268 a that encircles the tapered primary lens section 260, and alower half 268 b that defines the aforementioned counterbore 259. Theinterior of the annular notch 258 may be defined by a first verticalinterior sidewall 270, along with a second vertical interior sidewall271 corresponding to that of the counterbore 259. The height of thesecond vertical interior sidewall 271 is understood to be substantiallyequivalent to that of the LED switch device 12, while the height of thefirst vertical interior sidewall 270 is understood to be substantiallyequivalent to that of the tapered primary lens section 260.

An eighth embodiment of the optic assembly 16 h as shown in FIG. 12 hasa lens 350 defined by an anterior surface 352 and an opposed posteriorsurface 354. Unlike the other single-lens configurations discussedabove, in this embodiment the anterior surface 352 is concave, with agap 353 being defined between the lens 350 and the panel cover 20.Similar to those embodiments, however, the lens 350 has a cylindricalshape and thus the anterior surface 352 is circular. The lens 350 alsoincludes a vertical sidewall 356.

The lens 350 also includes an annular notch 358 formed therein as tofacilitate the formation of a tapered primary lens section 360 with atip 362 facing the electroluminescent semiconductor element of the LEDswitch device 12. The annular notch 358 also facilitates the formationof a secondary lens section 364 that encircles the tapered primary lenssection 360 and interface with the same. More particularly, the verticaldepth or extent of the annular notch 358 generally bisects the lens 350into an upper portion 366 having a disc-shaped configuration (with theconcave anterior surface 352) that at least partially interfaces withthe tapered primary lens section 360, and a lower portion 368 having anannular or ring-shaped configuration that encircles the tapered primarylens section 360. The interior of the annular notch 358 may be definedby a vertical interior sidewall 370.

In this embodiment, the tapered primary lens section 360 has a sphericalshape, though this is by way of example only and not of limitation.Earlier described embodiments contemplate a conical shape, and thusalternative tapered configurations may be readily substituted. The tip362 faces the LED switch device 12, which is defined by the lightemitting side 24 and an opposed base side 26. The touch sensor contactsembedded within the package of the LED switch device 12 are understoodto be disposed toward the light emitting side 24. The LED switch device12 may be substituted with a conventional output-only LED whileretaining touch input capabilities by virtue of a conductive trace beingprovided on the top face 28 of the printed circuit board 14 andconnected to a touch sensor controller, as will be described in furtherdetail below.

The LED switch device 12 may be mounted to the bottom face 30 of theprinted circuit board 14, with the eighth embodiment of the opticassembly 16 h being mounted to its top face 28. The annular notch 358 ofthe lens 350 opens to the opening 32 of the printed circuit board 14,with the light emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 beingaxially aligned with the tapered primary lens section 360 and its tip362 in particular. The tip 362 is understood to be co-extensive with theposterior surface 354 of the lens 350.

A ninth embodiment of the optic assembly 16 i is illustrated in FIG. 13,and is understood to incorporate a combination of the various featuresdiscussed above. More particularly, the LED switch device 12 and theoptics are mounted to the same side of the printed circuit board 14. Thelight-emitting side 24 of the LED switch device 12 face upwards towardthe tip 462, while the base side 26 is attached to the printed circuitboard 14. Additionally, the primary lens section has a spherical taperconfiguration, as will be described more fully below. The optic assembly16 i includes a lens 450 defined by an anterior surface 452 and anopposed posterior surface 454. The anterior surface 452 is understood tobe flat and circular, as the lens 450 has a cylindrical shape with avertical sidewall 456. The panel cover 20 is mounted to the opticassembly 16 facing the anterior surface 452 of the lens 450.

The lens 450 also includes an annular notch 458 formed therein as tofacilitate the formation of a tapered primary lens section 460 with atip 462 having a spherical shape that faces the electroluminescentsemiconductor element of the LED switch device 12. The annular notch 458includes a counterbore 459 that enlarges the diameter thereof andprovide additional clearance for the LED switch device 12 as it ismounted on the same side of the printed circuit board 14. The annularnotch 458 facilitates the formation of a secondary lens section 464 thatencircles the tapered primary lens section 460 and interface with thesame. The vertical depth or extent of the annular notch 458 generallybisects the lens 450 into an upper portion 466 having a flat,disc-shaped configuration that at least partially interfaces with thetapered primary lens section 460, and a lower portion 468 having anannular or ring-shaped configuration, at least a part of which encirclesthe tapered primary lens section 460.

The lower portion 468 may be segregated into a first half 468 a thatencircles the tapered primary lens section 460, and a lower half 468 bthat defines the aforementioned counterbore 459. The interior of theannular notch 458 may be defined by a first vertical interior sidewall470, along with a second vertical interior sidewall 471 corresponding tothat of the counterbore 459. The height of the second vertical interiorsidewall 471 is understood to be substantially equivalent to that of theLED switch device 12, while the height of the first vertical interiorsidewall 470 is understood to be substantially equivalent to that of thetapered primary lens section 460.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the illuminated indicator panel 10″utilized in an electronic device having various operational statesindicated by outputs and controlled by inputs. The generating of suchoutputs and the reception of such inputs, which may be independent ofeach other, is understood to be implemented with the touch-sensitive LEDswitch device 12, or in the alternative, a conventional LED incombination with additional touch sensor contacts provided as conductivetraces on the printed circuit board 14.

The LED switch device 12 is mounted to the printed circuit board 14 thatinterconnects the various input and output lines from the LED switchdevice 12 to the touch sensor controller, the LED driver circuit, andthe microcontroller. Like the previously described embodiments, theoptic assembly 16 is also mounted to the printed circuit board 14.

The illuminated indicator panel 10″ includes a different configuredpanel cover 60 that has a base frame 62, an intermediate film or overlay64, and a top cover 66. The printed circuit board 14 is mounted to thebase frame, which defines a plurality of openings 68 for eachcombination of the LED switch device 12 and optic assembly 16. Eachcomponent of the panel cover 60 is generally defined by a flat topportion 70, and a curved portion 72. The openings 68 are defined alongthe length of the curved portion 72 and is contemplated to angle the LEDswitch device 12 and the indicating/input functions thereof toward theuser. There may be a second printed circuit board 14′ with a differentset of LED switch devices 12 mounted thereto that are configured to bevisible and/or activated from the flat top portion 70.

The intermediate film or overlay 64 may also include indicia that arepositioned in alignment with the optic assemblies 16 and the openings 68on the base frame 62. These indicia may be made with a fluorescentpaint/ink that is visible only when exposed to ultraviolet light, andmay be silk-screen printed, pad-printed, or spray painted on to eitherthe top or bottom face of the intermediate film or overlay 64.Alternatively, in the context of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1,such indicia may be made on either the top or bottom face of the coverpanel 20. In such embodiments the LED switch device 12 may have anultraviolet wavelength emission, in addition to a visible lightwavelength emission. The indicia that is visible under a visible lightwavelength emission may be incorporated into the optic assembly 16, sothe different indicia from the same opening 68 may be selectivelyrendered visible in response to ultraviolet and visible light emissions.

The tenth embodiment of the optic assembly 16 j utilized in theilluminated indicator panel 10″ is show in greater detail in FIG. 15. Inthis embodiment, the LED switch device 12 and the optics are mounted tothe same side of the printed circuit board 14. In particular, there is aprimary lens 600 that is defined by a primary lens anterior surface 602and an opposed primary lens rear taper 604 with a tip 606. The primarylens 600 may be defined by an outer cylindrical wall 608 between theprimary lens anterior surface 602 and the primary lens rear taper 604.Again, by way of example, the primary lens anterior surface 602 may becircular, and the primary lens rear taper 604 may have a conical shape,though alternative geometries for these elements are also possible, asdiscussed in further detail above. The tip 606 faces the LED switchdevice 12, which, again, is defined by the light emitting side 24 andthe opposed base side 26.

A secondary lens 610 interfaces with the top face 28 of the printedcircuit board and is generally defined by a secondary lens anteriorsurface 612 and an opposed secondary lens posterior surface 614. In thisalternative configuration of the illuminated indicator panel 10″, theopening 68 in the base frame 62 defines a tapered countersink 74 towhich the secondary lens 610 is coupled. Accordingly, the secondary lens610 is defined by a corresponding tapered wall 617 as well as a shortvertical sidewall 616. In the illustrated example, the secondary lensanterior surface 612 has a circular shape, with a convex profile that iscontemplated to match the convex back face of the intermediate film oroverlay 64 as well as the top cover 66. The base frame 62 also definesan alignment keyway 76 within the tapered countersink 74. Thus, thesecondary lens 610 may further include a key portion 78 that is sizedand configured to engaged with the keyway 76. The convex curvature ofthe secondary lens anterior surface 612 is maintained throughout itsentirety. The secondary lens posterior surface 614 has a circular outerprofile.

The secondary lens 610 further defines a central cavity 618, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 614. The centralcavity 618 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first verticalsidewall 620 that is sized and configured to accept the LED switchdevice 12, and a second vertical sidewall 621 that is sized andconfigured to accept the primary lens 600. The central cavity 618 isadditionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 622 that is slightlyoversized relative to the diameter of the second vertical sidewall 621and may additionally have an offset thickness 623 that effectively formsa flanged opening toward the circular base cavity wall 622. Thesecondary lens posterior surface 614 has a generally annular profile.

Fitted in the central cavity 618 is the primary lens 600 and the LEDswitch device 12, with the primary lens 600 being within the portion ofthe central cavity 618 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 621and the offset thickness 623, and the LED switch device 12 being withinthe portion of the central cavity 618 corresponding to the firstvertical sidewall 620.

The diameter of the primary lens 600/the circumference of its outercylindrical wall 608 is understood to be sized and configured for africtional retention of the primary lens 600 within the second verticalsidewall 621 as well as the offset thickness 623 of the central cavity618. The primary lens anterior surface 602 also contacts or abutsagainst the circular base cavity wall 622. The primary lens anteriorsurface 602 is flat, so a substantial entirety thereof is understood tocontact a substantial entirety of the circular base cavity wall 622.Like the other embodiments having the primary lens rear taper 604, thesecond vertical sidewall 621 of the secondary lens 610 together with theprimary lens rear taper 604 define a reverse conical notch. The specificreference to the conical notch is understood to be by way of exampleonly and not of limitation, as this feature may take on alternativegeometric shapes as discussed above.

The height of the primary lens 600 is understood to substantiallycorrespond to the depth of the central cavity 618 spanning the secondvertical sidewall 621 and the offset thickness 623, while height of theLED switch device 12 is understood to substantially correspond to thedepth of the central cavity 618 spanning the first vertical sidewall620. The secondary lens posterior surface 614 abuts against the top face28 of the printed circuit board 14, and the first vertical sidewall 620is oversized to accommodate the LED switch device 12. The primary lens600 is positioned immediately above the LED switch device 12. Theprincipal axis of the primary lens 600 is in alignment with the center,light-emitting portion of the LED switch device 12. The output from theLED switch device 12 is transmitted through the primary lens 600 anddiffused through the secondary lens 610 to evenly illuminate any indiciaon either the intermediate film or overlay 64 positioned on top of thesecondary lens anterior surface 612, or on the secondary lens anteriorsurface 612 itself.

FIG. 16 depicts an eleventh embodiment of the optic assembly 16 k thatmay be utilized in the illuminated indicator panel 10″. Again, the LEDswitch device 12 and the optics are mounted to the same side of theprinted circuit board 14. There is a primary lens 700 defined by aprimary lens anterior surface 702 and an opposed primary lens rear taper704 with a tip 706. The primary lens 700 may be defined by an outercylindrical wall 708 between the primary lens anterior surface 702 andthe primary lens rear taper 704. The primary lens anterior surface 702may be circular, and the primary lens rear taper 704 may have a conicalshape, but alternatives are possible as discussed above. The tip 706faces the LED switch device 12, which, again, is defined by the lightemitting side 24 and the opposed base side 26.

A secondary lens 710 interfaces with the top face 28 of the printedcircuit board 14 and is generally defined by a secondary lens anteriorsurface 712 and an opposed secondary lens posterior surface 714. Thesecondary lens 710 is defined by a tapered wall 717 as well as a shortvertical sidewall 716, and the secondary lens anterior surface 712 mayhave a flat circular profile, though again, this is by way of exampleonly. The modality by which the secondary lens 710 interfaces with thebase frame 62 and the top cover 66 is the same with the eleventhembodiment of the optic assembly 16 k as it is for the tenth embodimentof the optic assembly 16 j discussed above, so additional detailsthereof will not be repeated.

The secondary lens 710 further defines a central cavity 718, with itsopening toward the secondary lens posterior surface 714. The centralcavity 718 has a stepped cylindrical configuration with a first verticalsidewall 720 that is sized and configured to accept the LED switchdevice 12, and a second vertical sidewall 721 that is sized andconfigured to accept the primary lens 700. The central cavity 718 isadditionally defined by a circular base cavity wall 722 that is slightlyoversized relative to the diameter of the second vertical sidewall 721and may additionally have an offset thickness 723 that effectively formsa flanged opening toward the circular base cavity wall 722. Fitted inthe central cavity 718 is the primary lens 700 and the LED switch device12, with the primary lens 700 being within the portion of the centralcavity 718 corresponding to the second vertical sidewall 721 and theoffset thickness 723, and the LED switch device 12 being within theportion of the central cavity 718 corresponding to the first verticalsidewall 720.

The diameter of the primary lens 700/the circumference of its outercylindrical wall 708 is understood to be sized and configured for africtional retention of the primary lens 700 within the second verticalsidewall 721 as well as the offset thickness 723 of the central cavity718. The primary lens anterior surface 702 contacts or abuts against thecircular base cavity wall 722. The primary lens anterior surface 702 isflat, so a substantial entirety thereof is understood to contact asubstantial entirety of the circular base cavity wall 722.

In addition, there is a tertiary lens 730 that is attached to orotherwise engaged with the secondary lens 710. The tertiary lens 730 issimilarly defined by a tertiary lens anterior surface 732 and an opposedtertiary lens posterior surface 734 that abuts against the secondarylens anterior surface 712. Because the secondary lens anterior surface712 is flat, the tertiary lens posterior surface 734 may also be flatsuch that a substantial entirety of one is positioned against the other,though this is by way of example only.

The tertiary lens 730 is contemplated to include a reverse relief of athree-dimensional symbol(s), letter(s), or other indicia 23. Thisindicia 23 may be molded, etched, or otherwise applied to the tertiarylens 730. In the illustrated example, such indicia 23 is made on thetertiary lens anterior surface 732, though it is possible to incorporatethe same on the tertiary lens posterior surface 734. Such indicia 23 maybe sanded/sand blasted or molded to define regions with greatertranslucency, or polished to define regions with greater transparency.In this regard, the tertiary lens 730 may be constructed of a clear ortranslucent plastic resin material, and may incorporate a UVlight-sensitive pigment. It is understood that the tertiary lens 730 maybe constructed of any of the materials mentioned above in relation tothe construction of the primary lens or the secondary lens. Attachedover the tertiary lens 730 is the aforementioned intermediate panel 65that is positioned on top of the tertiary lens anterior surface 732. Thetop cover 66 is in turn attached to the intermediate panel 65. Variousthree-dimensionally sculpted, etched, or molded indicia are alsocontemplated for the intermediate panel 65, which may be made on eitherside. The combined illumination of the different indicia 22 on the topcover 66 and/or the intermediate panel 65, and the indicia 23 on thetertiary lens 730 may be used to produce a holographic orthree-dimensional illumination effect. The surfaces of the indicia 23 orthose on the intermediate panel 65 may also be coated with a fluorescentmaterial that can be illuminated in response to an ultravioletwavelength emission from the LED switch device 12. Thus, selectiveillumination of UV-sensitive material and visible light-material iscontemplated.

As mentioned above, the presently disclosed embodiments of the opticassemblies 16 a-16 k may be utilized with LED switch devices 12, thatis, combination input and output devices. Further enhancements tocapacitive touch sensing are contemplated based upon the configurationof the printed circuit board 14. FIG. 17A shows an exemplary layout ofthe top face 28, while FIG. 17B shows an exemplary layout of the bottomface 30. The illustrated printed circuit board 14 is understood to beutilized in connection with those embodiments of the optic assemblies 16in which the LED switch device 12 and the optic is mounted to the sametop face 28. Accordingly, the top face 28 defines a set of surface mountpads 38 for the surface mount contacts of the LED switch device 12.

The surface mount pads 38 are centrally disposed inside a conductivetrace pad 40 that is, in turn, surrounded by an isolation channel 42.The profile of the optic assembly 16 is understood to be coextensivewith that of the conductive trace pad 40 or extent slightly beyond theboundaries thereof, possibly to the outer boundary of the isolationchannel 42. Accordingly, the conductive trace pad 40 is circular, thoughthis is by way of example only and not of limitation. The conductivetrace pad 40 is understood to be connected to a via 44 over a bridgetrace 43 that crosses over the isolation channel 42. Further uses of thevia 44 will be described below. The increased contact area of theconductive trace pad 40 is contemplated to improve capacitive touchinput detection. Additionally, improved light dispersion is possible bycoating the conductive trace pad 40 with a reflective material such asthe aforementioned white or silver paint.

The LED switch device 12 includes terminals corresponding to the touchsensor contacts embedded therein, and there is a subset of surface mountpads 38 a, 38 b that are connected to the conductive trace pad 40 thatis ultimately connected to the touch sensor controller with conductivetraces 48. The bottom face 30 likewise includes a conductive trace pad50 positioned in alignment with the conductive trace pad 40 on thereverse side of the printed circuit board 14, that is, the top face 28.An isolation channel 52 surrounds the conductive trace pad 50. Like theconductive trace pad 40, the conductive trace pad 50 may be connected toa touch sensor controller to detect capacitive touch inputs. Both theconductive trace pad 40 on the top face 28 and the conductive trace pad50 on the bottom face 30 are understood to be electrically conductivemetal layers that are selectively etched around the same to define suchfeatures in a conventional printed circuit board. However, alternativeembodiments with electrically conductive metal contacts that areattached to the printed circuit board 14 after its initialmasking/etching fabrication process, or any other production process forthe secured placement of the conductive trace pads 40, 50 in conjunctionwith the LED switch device 12 and the optic assembly 16 may besubstituted.

As mentioned above, it is possible to utilize a conventional output-onlyLED instead of the LED switch device 12 while still retaining capacitivetouch input capabilities. In this regard, the conductive trace pad 40 onthe top face 28 may replace the touch sensor contacts that wouldotherwise be embedded in the LED switch device 12, and connected to thetouch sensor controller, particularly in those embodiments where the LEDis mounted to the top face 28 of the printed circuit board. Theconductive trace pad 50 on the bottom face 30 of the printed circuitboard 14 may be utilized together with the conductive trace pad 40 onthe top face 28 and connected to the touch sensor controller to enhancesensitivity. In this configuration a jumper wire may be connectedbetween a connection pad 45 that is electrically connected to the via44, and to a connection pad 47 on the conductive trace pad 50. Theconductive trace pad 50 and the conductive trace pad 40 may thus beelectrically connected.

Alternatively, the conductive trace pad 50 on the bottom face 30 of theprinted circuit board 14 may be tied to ground, and in which case, serveas a shield for the conductive trace pad 40 on the top face 28 of theprinted circuit board 14 to prevent unwanted input from the rear side.This may be useful in applications such as greeting cards where aninadvertent approach of a capacitive element (e.g., a hand) that wouldotherwise be detected as an input. With the shielding made possible bytying the conductive trace pad 50 to ground, detecting a hand that holdsthe apparatus/card is not understood to be detected as an input; onlythose haptic inputs on the front face of the card, that is, a capacitiveelement approaching from the front or the secondary lens anteriorsurface 112 is detected. Along these lines, beyond the boundaries of theisolation channels 42 and 52 may include a conductive plane 54 on eachof the top face 28 and the bottom face 30 of the printed circuit board14. The conductive planes 54 are tied to ground, which is contemplatedto mitigating and blocking interference of capacitance change from othernearby components. In further detail, a jumper wire may instead beconnected from the connection pad 47 on the conductive trace pad 50 to agrounding pad 56.

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict an alternative configuration of the printedcircuit board 14′ in which the LED switch device 12 is mounted to thebottom face 30 thereof, opposite the top face 28 on which the opticassembly 16 is mounted. The surface mount pads 38 are located on thebottom face 30 of the printed circuit board and includes the opening 32through which the illumination from the LED switch device 12 istransmitted toward the optic assembly 16 mounted on the other side.Surrounding the opening 32 and the surface mount pads 38 is theconductive trace pad 50′, which has an exemplary rectangular shape withrounded corners. Again, this shape may be substituted with othergeometric shapes without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. The conductive trace pad 50′ is, in turn, surrounded by anisolation channel 52′ The conductive trace pad 50′ is understood toserve the same functional purposes as the conductive trace pad 50, thatis, as an additional touch sensor contact, or as a grounded shield.Again, the conductive trace pad 40′ and the conductive trace pad 50′ maybe fabricated in various ways, as discussed above in relation to theconductive trace pad 40 and the conductive trace pad 50.

The conductive trace pad 50′ may thus be connected to the conductivetrace pad 40′ by way of the bridge trace 43, the via 44, and theconnection pad 45 that is connected to the connection pad 47 on theconductive trace pad 50′. Alternatively, the conductive trace pad 50′may be connected to ground by connecting the connection pad 47 to thegrounding pad 56.

The top face 28 of the printed circuit board 14′ likewise includes aconductive trace pad 40′ that is substantially coextensive with theconductive trace pad 50′ on the reverse side and surrounded by anisolation channel 42′. The conductive trace pad 40′ also serves asimilar functional purpose as the conductive trace pad 40 of anothercapacitive touch sensor contact that enhances detection. The bridgetrace 43 is connected to the conductive trace pad 40′, over theisolation channel 42′, and the via 44. The traces 48 are understood toconnect the conductive trace pads 40′, 50′ to the touch sensorcontroller.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of the embodiments of an optic for LEDs and LEDswitch devices and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made toshow details with more particularity than is necessary, the descriptiontaken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art howthe several forms of the present disclosure may be embodied in practice.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illuminated indicator panel comprising: aprinted circuit board; one or more electroluminescent semiconductordevices mounted to the printed circuit board; one or more lenses eachhaving a unitary structure defined by a primary lens section and asecondary lens section with a common anterior surface, and respectiveposterior surfaces spaced apart from each other, the posterior surfaceof the primary lens section facing a respective one of theelectroluminescent semiconductor devices, the lenses being mounted tointerface with the printed circuit board; and a panel cover with one ormore indicia thereon overlapping each of the one or more lenses with thepanel cover mounted thereto.
 2. The illuminated indicator panel of claim1, wherein the common anterior surface has a profile selected from agroup consisting of: flat, convex, and concave.
 3. The illuminatedindicator panel of claim 1, wherein the posterior surface of the primarylens section has a profile selected from a group consist of: flat,convex, and concave.
 4. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 1,wherein the posterior surface of the secondary lens section encirclesthe posterior surface of the primary lens section.
 5. The illuminatedindicator panel of claim 4, wherein the posterior surface of thesecondary lens section has a flat profile.
 6. The illuminated indicatorpanel of claim 1, further comprising an intermediate overlay between thepanel cover and the one or more lenses, the intermediate overlayincluding one or more indicia overlapping each of the one or more lenseswith the intermediate overlay mounted thereto.
 7. The illuminatedindicator panel of claim 6, wherein the panel cover includes one or moreindicia that are illuminated in response to a first emission wavelengthoutput from the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices andthe indicia on the intermediate overlay is fluorescent and illuminatedin response to a second emission wavelength output from the one or moreelectroluminescent semiconductor devices.
 8. The illuminated indicatorpanel of claim 1, wherein sections of the printed circuit boardoverlapping the secondary lens section have a light-reflective coating.9. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 1, wherein sections of theprinted circuit board overlapping the secondary lens section have aconductive layer connected to an input of a touch sensor controller. 10.The illuminated indicator panel of claim 1, wherein sections on anopposite side of the printed circuit board overlapping the secondarylens section have a conductive layer connected to an input of a touchsensor controller.
 11. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 1,wherein sections on an opposite side of the printed circuit boardoverlapping the secondary lens section have a conductive layer connectedto ground.
 12. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 1, wherein: theprinted circuit board is defined by a top face and an opposed bottomface; a first conductive layer is on the top face of the printed circuitboard surrounding a region on which one of the one or moreelectroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted, the firstconductive layer being connectible to an input of a touch sensorcontroller; and a second conductive layer is on the bottom face of theprinted circuit board surrounding the region on which the one of the oneor more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted, the firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer being in axialalignment.
 13. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 12, wherein thesecond conductive layer is connected to the input of the touch sensorcontroller.
 14. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 12, wherein thesecond conductive layer is connected to ground.
 15. An illuminatedindicator panel comprising: a printed circuit board; one or moreelectroluminescent semiconductor devices mounted to the printed circuitboard; one or more lenses each having a unitary structure defined by aprimary lens section and a secondary lens section with a common anteriorsurface, and respective posterior surfaces spaced apart from each other,the posterior surface of the primary lens section facing a respectiveone of the electroluminescent semiconductor devices, the lenses beingmounted to interface with the printed circuit board, one or more indiciabeing provided on the one or more lenses.
 16. The illuminated indicatorpanel of claim 15, wherein: the printed circuit board is defined by atop face and an opposed bottom face; a first conductive layer is on thetop face of the printed circuit board surrounding a region on which oneof the one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted,the first conductive layer being connectible to an input of a touchsensor controller; and a second conductive layer is on the bottom faceof the printed circuit board surrounding the region on which the one ofthe one or more electroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted, thefirst conductive layer and the second conductive layer being in axialalignment.
 17. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 15, wherein theone or more indicia on the one of the one or more lenses has a formselected from the group consisting of: printing, painting, molding,etching, and laser etching.
 18. An illuminated indicator panelcomprising: a printed circuit board; one or more electroluminescentsemiconductor devices mounted to the printed circuit board; one or morelenses each having a unitary structure defined by a primary lens sectionand a secondary lens section with a common anterior surface, andrespective posterior surfaces spaced apart from each other, theposterior surface of the primary lens section facing a respective one ofthe electroluminescent semiconductor devices, the lenses being mountedto interface with the printed circuit board; a panel cover; anintermediate overlay between the panel cover and the one or more lenses,the intermediate overlay including one or more indicia overlapping eachof the one or more lenses with the intermediate overlay mounted thereto.19. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 18, wherein: the printedcircuit board is defined by a top face and an opposed bottom face; afirst conductive layer is on the top face of the printed circuit boardsurrounding a region on which one of the one or more electroluminescentsemiconductor devices is mounted, the first conductive layer beingconnectible to an input of a touch sensor controller; and a secondconductive layer is on the bottom face of the printed circuit boardsurrounding the region on which the one of the one or moreelectroluminescent semiconductor devices is mounted, the firstconductive layer and the second conductive layer being in axialalignment.
 20. The illuminated indicator panel of claim 18, wherein theone or more indicia on the intermediate overlay has a form selected fromthe group consisting of: printing, painting, die-cutting, molding,etching, and laser etching.